Using Geophysics and Geotechnics to Maximize the Building of a Paleolandscape Reconstruction for Both an Archaeological and Geological History

The purpose of this paper is to present the refined and novel components that comprise a methodological proposal of the best practice for the larger paleolandscape reconstruction process in offshore wind development during Site Characterization. To accomplish this goal, several methods were used to bring subject matter experts together to discuss the needs and objectives relative to regulatory compliance, cultural interest, and engineering design in a multi-phase programmatic and survey process. The expansive results from this modeling approach have allowed Qualified Marine Archaeologists (QMAs) to develop, in collaboration with geologists and engineers, the paleolandscape ground model ahead of typical developments by several months. The produced data innovatively multiplied available metrics, allowing adjustment of the regional geologic timeline to date marine Transgressive Channel Groups (TCGs) in the area and allowed better sequencing of the late Pleistocene and corrected some gaps in the region's depositional sequence model. With the resulting ground model, archaeologists, geologists, and engineers improved comprehensive qualitative analyses that can assist with understanding the impacts that anthropogenic activities have in the region. The novel and additive information that this research offers is multi-fold. The methods employed here can aid in reducing challenges and delays associated with traditional non-multi-phase approaches when adopted by other developers or researchers in the offshore space. The efficiency-oriented outcome of adopting this method can reduce larger systematic problems caused by a lack of industry coordination practices in reporting to various engineering and regulatory bodies. They also isolate key features and processes that happen very early on in the process and maximize efficiency by gathering data needed many months to years later in the process. Another additive benefit was the approach of gathering data in the least intrusive and destructive way possible to maximize the knowledge that development and archaeological groups bring to the table when having conversations with consulting parties and government stakeholders. The novelty of this process has expanded synthesis in a way that starts the process early enough that the subject matter experts (SMEs) can develop a robust working ground model while considering multiple components at the same time, rather than teams working in a silo, uninformed of each other's work. The use of this process can grow the project methodology and industry best practice for multiple developers and government entities into the future.